Check Out the Arcade

Play the games in the arcade for additional tutorial tips.

An early task in the game's storyline introduces you to the arcade. Find it later by going to the pizza parlor (marked with the pizza icon on your map) and go left and southeast away from the parlor. At the end of the park, take another left and find the arcade. Look at your mini-map and spot the distinct structure indicating a unique building. Go inside and you can play a series of arcade "games" that are basically additional tutorials. Complete each game to unlock the next one. Complete each one and receive an award. You'll need to unlock some additional combat upgrades to complete the last game.

Combat Techniques

Enhance your combat skills by purchasing upgrades at the store.

Spider-Man isn't a slouch in the combat department. He's got ample punch and kick strength but he also possesses something the criminals have a tough time countering: his spider web. Now granted, some of the tougher criminals will actually dodge the web but in most occasions you can certainly utilize the web to yank an enemy's weapon from his grasp or grab the enemy and pull him toward you and into your punch combination.

When approaching criminals from long-range, use your web to snatch their weaponry or yank them in your direction. Snag a criminal and start unleashing your combination attacks. You can keep it symbol with the attacks you begin the game with or, better yet, utilize those purchased from the upgrade store.

At close-range, you'll need to become the artful dodger. Watch for Spidey's spider sense to tingle (a flash around his head). When it does, press the dodge button. If you're dodging a melee attack then you can counter after the dodge with your own punch or combination. You'll have to dodge weaponry as well, most notably firearms. Dodge and try and yank the weapon out of the enemy's hands then approach quickly to finish him off.

Against multiple enemies, spider reflexes proves invaluable. Toggle spider reflexes on to slow time and increase your damage. You can hit multiple enemies in a combination. It's smart to stay on one enemy to decrease their numbers. Keep up the pressure even when the criminal has fallen to the ground.

Attacks that knock enemies into the air (such as the free sprint uppercut and other not-so-free combat upgrades at the store) are also powerful. Knock an enemy into the air, jump and start the attack. Juggle the enemy to continue the damaging blows. Toggle spider reflexes on for greater effect.

A Web-Slinger

Practicing your web-slinging skills can get you around the city quicker.

One of the coolest parts of Spider-Man 2 is the ability to swing freely around the city. Often there's nothing pressing you to continue the storyline or save citizens in distress. Sometimes you may just want to swing around the city and sight-see. The following are a few tips on swinging effectively, including strategies for increasing speed so you can complete the tougher challenges and missions that require reaching a destination under a specific time limit.

• If you want to gain height on the swing (or at minimum, maintain height on the swing), charge your jump as you swing and release to leap off of the web-line and high into the air. Fire another web-line and continue the swing.
• Hold the sprint button while web-swinging to gain more height and speed on the swing. This builds momentum for height but can also be used for speed. Don't go to the height of the swing before firing another web-line. You lose speed at the end of your swing. Fire another web-line while moving the fastest to keep your speed.
• Press the controller in a direction to build momentum in that direction. Use this to turn down a street, for instance, if you're following a criminal's car or trying to get to a location quickly.